Love a good thrill? Then you’re going to love what Royal Caribbean has onboard. These ships are packed with multi-story drop slides, racing lanes, and wild twists and turns that feel more like a theme park than a cruise.
Whether you’re sailing solo or with kids, there’s always a slide calling your name.
And it’s not just on the ship. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, the slides get even bigger, taller, and way more intense.
In this guide, you’ll see which ships have slides, the top ones you need to try, and pro tips before you line up. Let’s dive into the wild world of Royal Caribbean water slides.
Types of Slides on Royal Caribbean Ships
Before we get into the best ones, let’s break down the main types of slides you’ll find on Royal Caribbean ships. They’re not all created equal — and knowing what to expect can help you skip the boring stuff and head straight for the fun.
Whether you’re headed to CocoCay or sailing the high seas, these are the core categories of Royal Caribbean water slides you’ll want to know about before strapping in.
1. Drop Slides (Like The Perfect Storm or Daredevil’s Peak)
These are for the adrenaline junkies. Expect steep vertical drops, sudden launches, and a whole lot of screaming. If you want that stomach-drop feeling, start here.
2. Racer Slides
Usually built for two riders at once, these slides are all about speed. Grab a mat, race your friend, and see who hits the bottom first. Great for kids, teens, and competitive adults.
3. Tube Slides
Single or double riders hop into an inflatable tube for a winding, high-speed journey. Expect dark tunnels, flashing lights, and plenty of twists and turns.
4. Body Slides
Simple, no-frills slides where you just lay down and go. Not as intense, but still fun, especially for younger kids or those new to water slides.
5. Icon‑Class Waterpark (Category 6)
Exclusive to Icon‑class ships (e.g., Icon of the Seas), this massive waterpark packs six record-breaking slides, including the tallest drop slide at sea and the first open free-fall chute, set in a sprawling 17,000 ft² Thrill Island deck
You won’t find every type on every ship, but this breakdown gives you an idea of what’s out there, and what’s worth lining up for.
All 17 Royal Caribbean Water Slides Ranked from Best to Skip‑able
There are dozens of royal caribbean water slides, but which ones are actually worth your time? This ranked list gives you the real deal — from the most epic water slides at sea to the ones you can skip without regret. Whether you’re looking for the best cruise ship water slide or mapping out your Perfect Day at CocoCay, start here.
1. Daredevil’s Peak – CocoCay
The tallest waterslide in North America and the crown jewel of the CocoCay waterpark.
At 135 feet tall, this massive red tower delivers a fast, vertical plunge with stunning ocean views at the top. If you ride only one slide during your cruise — make it this one. It defines the thrill level of royal caribbean water slides.
2. The Blaster – Navigator of the Seas exclusive
The first-ever water coaster on a cruise ship, and still one of the most fun.
This isn’t just a slide… it’s a full-on aquatic rollercoaster. With a two-person raft, you’ll launch through high-speed curves, zoom up and down hills, and even fly out over the side of the ship thanks to powerful water jets.
It’s long, wild, and consistently ranks among the top Royal Caribbean water slides ever built. If you’re even thinking about skipping this one, think again — The Blaster is a must-ride.
3. Frightening Bolt – Icon-class ships
The tallest slide at sea and the signature thrill of the Icon class waterpark.
You step into a vertical capsule. The floor disappears. You free-fall in a narrow body tube at high speed. It’s intense, fast, and feels like a water-based rollercoaster.
4. Slingshot – Icon-class ships
A family raft slide with a zero-gravity surprise.
This isn’t just another twisty ride. Midway through the slide, you’ll hit a weightless moment that makes your stomach flip — in the best way possible. It’s a sensation that’s rare for any water slide, let alone one floating in the middle of the ocean.
Seats up to four riders, making it a top-tier pick for families and groups looking to share the thrills. If you’re mapping out your must-rides among Royal Caribbean water slides, Slingshot absolutely earns its spot near the top.
5. Pressure Drop – Icon-class ships
A completely open-air body slide with no mat and no tube.
It’s deceptively simple… until gravity takes over. The fall is fast, direct, and not for the faint of heart. It’s one of the most intense royal caribbean water slides onboard, and there’s usually less of a wait.
6. Riptide – Navigator-class ships
The only headfirst mat racer at sea, and one of the most scenic.
You’ll zoom through a translucent tunnel that literally hangs off the side of the ship. It’s smooth, competitive, and way more fun than it looks.
7. Storm Surge – Icon-class ships
A wide-turning raft slide designed for splashy thrills.
You and your group will glide through high walls, fast corners, and plenty of side-to-side action that keeps things exciting without going full-throttle. It’s not quite as intense as Slingshot, but still delivers plenty of motion and laughs along the way.
When it comes to group rides among Royal Caribbean water slides, Storm Surge stands out as one of the best shared-raft options for cruisers who want a social, smile-filled thrill without the intensity of a vertical plunge.
8. Tidal Wave – Liberty of the Seas
The fleet’s only boomerang-style slide with a massive wall you ride up and drop back down.
It’s a quick ride, but packs in a huge amount of motion. Because Liberty doesn’t get as much hype as the newer ships, you can often ride with no line at all.
9. Storm Chasers – Icon-class ships
Dueling mat racers in the Category 6 waterpark.
Not as intense as Riptide, but still a blast — especially if you’re racing someone next to you. Perfect for teens or anyone looking for a little friendly competition.
10. Supercell – Found on Icon- and Oasis-class
A bowl-style slide that spins you before the final drop.
This one’s all about centrifugal force. You’ll twist, swirl, and whip around the bowl before getting pulled into the final chute for a quick splashdown. It’s visually awesome — fun to watch from the deck and even more fun to ride.
If you’ve never tried a bowl slide before, this is the perfect introduction. Among the lineup of Royal Caribbean water slides, Supercell brings a satisfying mix of spectacle and motion that’s great for thrill-seekers who like their fun with a side of spin.
11. Typhoon & Cyclone – Found on multiple ships in the Perfect Storm
Classic twisty tube slides, often paired side-by-side.
You’ll find these on Oasis-, Voyager-, and Freedom-class ships. They’re fun, fast, and dependable — just don’t expect anything mind-blowing. A solid warm-up for the bigger thrills.
12. Green Mamba – CocoCay
An enclosed, twisty tube slide with surprising speed.
This one’s sneaky good. Tucked in with the other tower slides, it’s often overlooked — but worth riding if you’re already climbing the tower. It’s a great alternative to the longer lines at Daredevil’s Peak.
13. Twister Slide – CocoCay
Long, winding, and great for first-timers.
It’s not the fastest slide in the lineup, but that’s exactly why so many cruisers — especially kids, tweens, and cautious adults — end up loving it. The ride is smooth, gentle, and gives you just enough speed to make it exciting without being overwhelming.
You’ll smile the whole way down… and might even want to ride it again. Among all Royal Caribbean water slides, this one earns its spot as the gateway to bigger thrills later in the day.
14. Screeching Serpent – CocoCay
Short and enclosed, but with a punch.
One of the fastest starts in the tower. It’s quick, tight, and dark. Not the best, but worth riding once while exploring all the CocoCay slides.
15. Splash Summit – CocoCay
Four-lane body slide racing at its finest.
Located in Thrill Waterpark, Splash Summit features four side-by-side open-air slides perfect for racing friends, family, or that overconfident cruiser you just met at lunch. It’s not as extreme as Daredevil’s Peak, but it’s still fast, fun, and super repeatable. If you’re looking for a competitive thrill without the intensity of a vertical drop, this is the one to hit.
Bonus: Lines move quickly thanks to the multi-lane setup, so you can slide, race, and repeat as many times as you want.
And while it may not be the headline act among all Royal Caribbean water slides, Splash Summit brings big fun without the big wait — making it an underrated highlight for cruisers who like their thrills with a side of friendly competition.
16. Labadee Splash Slide – Labadee
An old-school beach slide near the shore.
It’s nostalgic and scenic but not much of a thrill. That said, it’s perfect for families with little kids looking for something mellow to do near the water.
17. Splashaway Bay Slides – Multiple ships
Built for the little ones.
You’ll find these in the kids’ splash zones. Colorful, safe, and part of the reason Royal Caribbean is so family-friendly — but these aren’t for thrill seekers.
Royal Caribbean Ships with Water Slides
If you’re planning your next cruise and want to make sure your ship includes some splash-worthy action, this is the section you need. Below is a full breakdown of which Royal Caribbean ships have slides, and what kind of water fun you can expect on each.
Whether you’re chasing the biggest thrills at sea or just want something fun for the kids, not every ship is built the same — and the slide experience can vary a lot by class.
Want a quick refresher on ship types before diving in? Check out our full breakdown of Royal Caribbean ship classes for a quick side-by-side comparison.
Here’s how it breaks down by class:
Icon-class
(Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and future releases)
- Features the full Category 6 Waterpark, including:
- Frightening Bolt
- Pressure Drop
- Storm Surge
- Hurricane Hunter
- Slingshot
- Storm Chasers
- These ships offer the most advanced royal caribbean water slides at sea — no other class compares in terms of volume or intensity.
Oasis-class
(Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia of the Seas)
- Most feature the Perfect Storm slide trio:
- Typhoon
- Cyclone
- Supercell (bowl-style on select ships)
- Also include Splashaway Bay for kids on many ships
- Great mix of adult and family slides — especially on Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder
Quantum- and Odyssey-class
(Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, Odyssey)
- Odyssey of the Seas includes Splashaway Bay, but no large thrill slides
- These ships prioritize indoor activities (like FlowRider, skydiving simulators) over waterparks
- Not ideal if water slides are a top priority
Freedom-class
(Freedom, Independence, Liberty of the Seas)
- Liberty features the Tidal Wave (boomerang-style slide)
- Most ships include Perfect Storm slides and Splashaway Bay
- Solid mid-tier slide options with less crowding than newer ships
Voyager-class
(Voyager, Adventure, Explorer, Navigator, Mariner of the Seas)
- Navigator and Mariner feature:
- The Blaster (water coaster)
- Riptide (headfirst mat slide)
- Other ships in this class may have the Perfect Storm duo
Radiance- and Vision-class
(Brilliance, Jewel, Radiance, Serenade, Enchantment, Vision, Grandeur, Rhapsody)
- Very limited slide offerings
- Some have small children’s slides or splash zones
- Not a fit if you’re chasing major royal caribbean water slides
This breakdown should help you pick the right ship based on your thrill level — or help you decide if Perfect Day at CocoCay is where you’ll find the best slides of your whole trip.
Perfect Day at CocoCay Slide Highlights
If you’re sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay, get ready for the most thrilling royal caribbean water slides you’ll find anywhere, on land or at sea. This private island is home to Thrill Waterpark, a full-blown adventure zone packed with record-breaking attractions and sky-high slides.
You don’t need to be a kid to love this place. In fact, many cruisers say the island’s slides are better than the ones on the ship. And if you’re into speed, height, and water-powered adrenaline — this is where you’ll find it.
Here are the top highlights inside Thrill Waterpark:
Daredevil’s Peak
135 feet of pure panic — and fun.
This is the tallest waterslide in North America, and it completely dominates the skyline. You’ll climb dozens of steps to reach the top, but the drop is worth every one. It’s the ultimate “I did it” brag ride.
Green Mamba
A fast, enclosed tube with tight turns.
Not as tall as Daredevil’s Peak, but sneakily good. Riders love the speed and darkness — especially if you want something a little intense without the full freefall.
Twister Slide
A long, winding ride perfect for nearly all ages.
This one’s a great warm-up — not too scary, but still exciting. Smooth ride, scenic views, and a great slide to go back-to-back with.
Screeching Serpent
Short, steep, and enclosed.
You’ll blast through this narrow tube at high speed. It’s not long, but the intensity is real. Definitely one to check off during your climb up the tower.
Family Tower Slides
Multi-person raft slides that everyone can enjoy.
Thrill Waterpark also includes group raft slides that don’t get as much hype — but are perfect for families who want to ride together. Lines move fast, and they’re a fun break from the solo slides.
You’ll need a Thrill Waterpark admission pass to access the slides — and prices vary by sailing. Booking early often gets you the best deal, and it’s almost always cheaper than waiting until you’re onboard.
Labadee’s Hidden Slide Experience
While it doesn’t get the same spotlight as CocoCay, Labadee quietly offers one of Royal Caribbean’s most low-key water slides — and if you’re looking to escape the crowds and try something a little different, this might be your hidden gem.
I’ll be honest — I’ve never personally seen anyone actually using this slide during my visits, and it doesn’t exactly scream adrenaline. But that’s kind of the charm.
Instead of long lines or towering drop slides, what you get here is a gentle, scenic ride built right into the shoreline. It overlooks crystal-clear water, with palm trees swaying nearby and a more island-time vibe than anything engineered for thrills.
You won’t find water cannons or trapdoor launches. But you might find a quiet moment to just slide, splash, and enjoy the laid-back side of Labadee.
Labadee Splash Slide
Simple, old-school fun — right by the water.
This slide isn’t tall, it’s not fast, and it’s definitely not extreme. But it’s charming. Perfect for kids, casual cruisers, and anyone who wants to cool off in the most relaxed way possible. You’ll find it near the Arawak Aqua Park area — just look for the small hill near the shore.
It’s also one of the few royal caribbean water slides where you can slide, splash, and then walk a few feet into the ocean.
Labadee might not be a destination for thrill-seekers, but if your cruise stops here and you’re with kids — or just want a low-pressure slide moment — this hidden gem is worth checking out.
Water Slide Tips & Pro Advice
The best royal caribbean water slides can be thrilling, but only if you play it smart. Long lines, dress code surprises, and sunburned shoulders can easily turn fun into frustration. These quick tips will help you ride more, wait less, and enjoy every splash.
1. Ride early, late, or during port days
Want walk-ons? Avoid the mid-day crowds.
The best times to ride are early morning, late afternoon, or during port days when most guests are off the ship. You’ll cruise through the line while everyone else is sightseeing.
2. Skip slides with metal — seriously
No buttons, no buckles, no zippers. Most thrill slides don’t allow anything that could scratch the surface or slow you down. Stick to simple, secure swimwear.
3. Know the height and weight limits
Most big slides require riders to be at least 48 inches tall. Solo slides often cap at 300 lbs, and raft slides may limit the total weight per group. Check posted signs before climbing all those stairs.
4. Bring water shoes — but take them off at the top
Slides usually require bare feet, but the walkways on deck and at CocoCay can get blazing hot. Water shoes you can leave at the base are a lifesaver.
5. Use the stairs as a warm-up
Icon-class ships and CocoCay towers have slides that start way up there. Treat the climb as a workout, enjoy the ocean views, and hydrate if it’s a hot day.
6. Apply sunscreen — especially on your shoulders and neck
Waiting in line? You’ll be standing in direct sun longer than you think. Reapply before you line up, especially if you’re climbing outdoor towers like the ones at CocoCay.
7. Talk to crew — they know the real timing tricks
Slide attendants usually know when the crowds hit and when they vanish. Don’t be afraid to ask, “When’s the best time to come back?”
Stick to these simple tips and you’ll spend less time waiting — and more time flying down the best royal caribbean water slides on the ship or the island.
Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean Water Slides
Royal Caribbean water slides aren’t just for kids — they’re a core part of the fun. Whether you’re freefalling on Frightening Bolt or racing your friends on Riptide, the best slides turn sea days into something unforgettable.
If your ship has them, ride them. If you’re going to CocoCay, the Thrill Waterpark pass might be the most fun money you spend all trip.
You don’t need to ride them all — but try a few. They’ll make you feel like a kid again. And honestly? That’s the best kind of cruise memory.
What to Read Next
If you’re all about thrills, don’t miss this one:
👉 Royal Caribbean FlowRider Guide — everything you need to know before hopping on the surf simulator (or wiping out in style).
And if you’re packing for a cruise?
👉 The Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Don’t Forget #17!) — Free printable, real cruiser tips, and smart items most people forget.
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